Nauru president

Sprent Dabwido, who had his passport confiscated in August, just as he was set to depart for Australia to see a cardiologist, collapsed at Nauru hospital on Wednesday.

Mr Dabwido, who had served as an MP for 12 years, including two as president, is one of a number of now former MPs who had opposed the actions of the government and this is believed to have led to the cancellation of his passport.

On behalf of the Republic of Nauru, I would like to congratulate His Excellency Ambassador Peter Thompson on his assumption to the Presidency of the General Assembly.It is wonderful to see one of my Pacific Island brothers at the helm.

Let me assure you of the full support of my delegation as you lead the important work of this august body.

I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft for his exceptional work as our outgoing President.

However, his government will look into the claims, Mr Baron Waqa told Channel NewsAsia on Tuesday (Aug 16).

Last week, The Guardian published more than 2,000 case reports detailing allegations of abuse faced by asylum seekers being processed by the Australian government on the remote Pacific Island of Nauru.

They include reported incidences of assaults, sexual assaults and self-harm - many involving children - between 2013 and 2015.